As an ISPP Scholar, Alex Sprinkle is appointed to with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Juliana Stratton. His work is focused on bolstering the agricultural college and career pathways. Alex shared some insights with me on her work within the ISPP so far.
Why did you apply for the Illini Science Policy Program?
I have always wanted to work in a policy related position, somewhere that could affect a positive change in the lives of those in my community and outside of it, whether that was in government, a hospital setting, or elsewhere. As I was searching for related roles, I received an email from my program director who had a conversation with her friend about a role in agriculture policy, and if she knew anyone that might be a good fit. She had immediately thought of me. It was a once in a lifetime coincidence that would let me utilize my passion, education, and experience. I applied and am so immensely grateful for the opportunity and excited for the work we will be carrying out.
Tell us a bit about what you hope to accomplish as a result of being a 2025 Scholar.
I hope to get more young people, and people transitioning careers to work or seek work in the world of agriculture, food, and natural resources.
Tell us a bit about what you are working on for your host agency.
In September we hosted an Agrifood Summit in partnership with the Illinois Agrifood Alliance, we worked with industry veterans, educational institutions, and government to establish goals and needs in increasing the agricultural workforce. Outside of this I manage the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council and the Rivers and Waterways of Illinois Coordinating Council.
Tell us a bit about what you are working with your Extension Mentor (or what you will be doing)?
We have developed a set of surveys for students and instructors in community and junior colleges to understand the factors that have made them think of careers in agriculture, food, and natural resources. We hope to send these out soon and think begin to understand the results.
What does being in public service mean to you?
Public service is the opportunity to work for the betterment of my community and state. Too often public servants are seen as bureaucrats without any real impact for their fellow citizens, but in reality, every functional community in the world is ran by dedicated proud public servants. Public service is my opportunity to serve the public, directly as the name implies and I’m grateful for the opportunity.
What makes the work you are doing as an ISPP Scholar meaningful to you? (Please specify between you host agency work and your Extension mentor project)
All of my work will make the state better and more competitive in the future. For the councils I get to help shed light on rural Illinois and work to make their communities more prosperous. As for mentor project it will help drive policy moving forward in Illinois most important industry, agriculture, ensuring we have a robust, diverse, and successful workforce for the future.
What is one thing that you have learned since becoming an ISPP Scholar that has made an impression on your transition from graduate student to career individual?
That no matter where you are, the chances to learn and grow are endless.
Why is/are the issue(s) important to the communities with which you are working?
- Job growth and stability: If we can ensure a robust workforce, it will stop excess emigration to other states, most our communities vibrant, and ensure we can meet the challenges of tomorrow.
- Natural resource protection and river health: Our state is beautiful (Yes even the corn and beans), by protecting our natural resources we improve the health of our communities, and give the next generation clean water, unpolluted land, and can mitigate the effects of human driven climate change.
- Uplifting rural communities: Many rural communities have seen large swaths of their population leave, so by giving our attention and aid to them, we can potentially bring back some of that talent to those communities, and ensure small businesses stay alive.
Who is impacted by the issue(s) you are working on?
Everyone across the state from small towns like Cairo, all the way to Chicago proper.
What is the most unexpected thing about this program so far?
The ability that I have to meet and learn from such a diverse and experienced office, and state public servants.
If you could do one thing through this program and think “Wow, I did that,” what would you like it to be?
Ensure that not only is our state’s agricultural future sustained, but that it becomes a true equitable representation of our diverse and robust population.
More information about the Illini Science Policy Program is available on our website. Keep reading to learn more about Alex's colleagues in the of 2025 ISPP Scholar Class.